The Hidden World of Arita Porcelain: A Special Private Workshop Tour with a Skilled Artisan Approaching Living National Treasure Status

A special experience where an artisan will guide you through workshops and special rooms of Arita Porcelain studios which are normally closed to the public, giving you exposure to master craftsmanship

On this special tour of Arita porcelain studios, you can enjoy the precious experience of seeing the master craftsmanship and beauty of the artisans in workshop areas which are normally closed to the public. You can see the distinctive creative process of each studio up close, such as the delicate sculptural beauty of Living National Treasure ceramist Manji Inoue; the Kakiemon Kiln's signature technique of red overglaze enameling; the Gokushin porcelain of Tsuji Seijisha, purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency; the innovative efforts of Riso Kiln, which works with the world's top chefs; Gen-emon Kiln, characterized by its beautiful painting using dark coloring; and Koransha, which manufactures insulators using Arita porcelain.
On this tour, you will witness the delicate techniques and passion of the artisans who create each piece of Arita porcelain by hand, experiencing the splendor of a new work being brought into the world. After the tour, relax over tea and sweets prepared with care at the different studios. The tour will give you a chance to learn about the 400-year history of Arita porcelain, steeped in tradition and innovative spirit, through gallery tours and descriptions of the works by these artists and artisans. This special tour allows you to fully appreciate the depth and charm of Japanese traditional crafts by learning about the techniques that have been refined over many years and the efforts of the porcelain studios to take on the challenges of the modern age.